The Victoria County office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is teaming up with the Texas Department of Agriculture to conduct a private pesticide applicator training and testing.

The event will be at the 4-H Activity Center, 259 Bachelor Drive across from the control tower at the Victoria Regional Airport.

Farmers and ranchers who purchase or apply state-limited use or state-restricted use pesticides are required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture as a private, commercial or noncommercial applicator.

In order for a farmers or ranchers to test for a license, they must first complete the required training program that is being offered by AgriLife Extension. Registration is at 8 a.m., and training begins at 8:30 a.m.

A representative from Texas Department of Agriculture will administer the applicator test following a lunch and study break.

The registration fee for the training is $50, which includes all training manuals and materials. Participants who successfully complete the training and testing will be eligible to apply for their private applicator license.

Licensed pesticide applicators are required to complete 15 continuing education units in five years to be eligible to renew this license.

Two of these CEU's must cover laws and regulations and two must cover integrated pest management. The private applicator license is only for individuals engaged in the production of a recognized agricultural commodity.

To register for this training and testing, call the Victoria County office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 361-575-4581 or email pjmcguill@ag.tamu.edu. Space is limited to the first 50 who preregister.

Victoria County crops tour

Don't forget about the Victoria County Crops Tour that will be at the Son's of Hermann Hall in DaCosta Thursday. Call the extension office for more information.

Peter J. McGuill is the Victoria County extension agent - ag and natural resources. Contact him at 361-575-4581 or pjmcguill@ag.tamu.edu.